Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Butler.
Hi Kimberly, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up as a competitive dancer and lover of live theatre. I was involved in every class in my dance studio – ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, clogging even! This was back when SYTYCD and the Step Up film franchise were defining pop culture. At age 12, my favorite dance teacher Elise Lavallee encouraged me to audition for a local musical theatre company called KWC Performing Arts. I was instantly hooked! I went on to join KWC’s resident company, and participate in several productions, including Peter Pan and Shrek The Musical. Throughout the rest of my youth, I became obsessed with all things Broadway. I joined my high school show choir and theatre programs, and took private voice and acting lessons as well. Something was sparked in me when the Broadway revival of Pippin (centered around circus artists) was mounted in 2013, and that spark continued to linger in the back of my mind…
I attended the Chicago College of Performing Arts from 2014-2018, and graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre. I was very fortunate to study under Broadway alumni, including Jane Lanier, Nancy Hess, and Shanna Vanderwerker. I also frequented extracurricular classes at Lou Conte Dance Studio and the Joffrey Ballet. It was during my sophomore year of college that I signed up for my very first aerial silks class. Why did I choose aerial silks? Google the Pippin Playbill, and you will see that an aerialist is featured in the artwork.
With both dance and theatre, I had always felt like I was chasing an unattainable standard. Dancers are often regarded for their never-ending pursuit of perfection. Theatre is a nebulous, subjective craft often fueled by ego. But to me, silks felt like something I could master. I continued to train silks in Chicago, and then found new aerial studios when I moved to LA in 2018. Some of the amazing coaches who have been key figures in my progress include Amanda Ritchie, Joe Pinzon, and Chanel Pepper. For the past decade, my passion for circus arts has only continued to grow. In addition to aerial silks, I now supplement my training with contortion, acrobatics, tumbling, and dance (always, dance). My 10 year aerial-versary will occur in September of 2025.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As with any sport, becoming an aerialist is filled with physical challenges. There is a massive learning curve when it comes to gaining the necessary strength and endurance. Believe it or not – ballet will not help your upper body strength! In addition to the physical demands, circus is extremely dangerous. You must have strong body awareness and critical thinking skills to understand the physics of the fabric. One wrong move could easily send you plummeting to the floor. Moving with grace and precision while dangling 20+ feet in the air is not easy – dedicated and disciplined practice is essential.
Perhaps the most difficult obstacle I’ve personally had to navigate is the loss of my home in the January Eaton Fire. I owned a 25′ aerial rig that I used for my practice almost daily for 3 years. The rig sat in my spacious and quiet yard in the foothills of Altadena. I loved to train while the sun set on the mountains and the owls flew by at night. The loss of this training space has thrown a huge wrench in my practice. I am still learning how to operate without unlimited access to a peaceful training environment. I am thankful for private aerial studios near me who have allowed me to train at a discounted cost until I get back on my feet.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am available for aerial silks gigs in and around Southern California! These gigs can be concerts, festivals, corporate events, club ambience, etc. My theatre training aids me in forming into whatever character a client would like to see. I am comfortable performing at tall heights, and can perform dynamic drop tricks. I learn choreography very well, but am also capable of choreographing my own acts if requested. There are already two self-choreographed acts in my arsenal available for booking. Not every aerialist is graceful on the ground, but my extensive dance background allows me to perform floor entertainment as well. I look forward to participating in several circus competitions this year, concluding with VivaFest in Spring 2026.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
My Instagram DMs are open! I am always happy to connect with other aerialists and talent bookers in my area. It’s a small world, and I believe in saying other peoples’ names in the room. If I hear of a gig that sounds perfect for a friend, I will share it with them – and I hope others would do the same. Spread the wealth, y’all!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberly.aerial/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kimberly.aerial
